1829–1839: Russia's Foreign Policy on the Eve of the 1839 Events

Abstract

The resolution of the Uniate schism marked a pivotal moment in Emperor Nicholas I's reign. Initially, there were no indications or plans for substantial changes in policies regarding the Empire's western territories. Petersburg adhered to the tradition of dialogue with the first estate, while Nicholas upheld his predecessor's stance towards the Kingdom of Poland. Viewing the Constitution of 1815 as part of his heritage, Nicholas assumed the title of King of Congress Poland and displayed considerable generosity towards his Polish subjects. Russo-BritishFrench collaboration on the Eastern question, particularly in addressing the pressing Greek issue, created favorable external political circumstances for Petersburg before the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829. This period seemingly marked the end of the monarchical solidarity of the Holy Alliance and preserved the status quo of the Vienna System. However, the revolutionary events of 1830 precipitated significant changes. The demise of the Bourbons severed the possibility of allied or partnership relations with Paris for the foreseeable future. Following the deposition of the Romanovs, sanctioned by the Sejm of rebels in January 1831, the Russo-Polish conflict erupted, resulting in the further dissolution of Polish statehood. Consequently, Emperor’s trust in the Polish nobility waned. The first Egyptian crisis of 1833 reignited tensions among European powers, and by 1836, relations between Petersburg and London teetered on the brink of war for the first time in years. The second Turkish-Egyptian crisis of 1839–1840 once again altered the diplomatical landscape. France, the most ardent supporter of the Poles after 1831, found itself isolated. Austria, as the second Catholic State, aligned itself with Russia. As for Great Britain, the religious policy of London, while supporting the Papal State in Italy, was quite distant from supporting Catholicism in their own territories, especially in Ireland. All these factors created favorable conditions for the reform of 1839.